Dimes

COLLEGE

-Nerlens Noel, the prize of the next NBA draft, went down with a torn ACL last night.  Forcing these guys to go to college for one year is looking more ridiculous as time spills on.  Nerlens probably leaves Kentucky next week and starts rehabbing once his surgery is done.  To stay qualified for his one year with the Wildcats Noel took maybe one class?  His draft stock might fall a little but he still will be a high lottery pick.

-Big Ten teams are hammering each other.  Michigan was the latest victim, getting walloped by Michigan State last night.  Indiana seems to have regained its position of dominance in the conference.

-I wonder if Miami can pull it off and produce in big games.  The conference and NCAA tournament are coming up.  The Hurricanes have never been to these heights before.  Be wary of the ledge. 

-Final Four- Indiana, Duke, Michigan State, Florida

PRO

-Rudy Gay is proving to be a closer, something the Raptors have sorely lacked over the last decade.  Sure the win was over a depleted Nuggets roster but a W is a W. 

-Amir Johnson has improved at a steady pace over the years and deserves due credit. 

-Indiana is a tough physical team.  That being said it was a pleasure seeing the Raptors match their physicality and pull out a win last Friday night.

-Tyler Hansborough is the dirtiest player in the league.  Lambeerish. 

-Lebron has been on an unreal record setting pace over the last six scoring 30 plus and shotting 60 percent plus over that span.  The shooting has been astounding and I am amazed that Wilt Chamberlain did not hold the record.  Seems like he should have had 30 in a row.

-Jordan/James comparisons keep popping up.  Not yet Lebron! 

-What a streak for the Celtics!  This team is either on fire or ice cold. 

-Golden State is crashing.  The heightened defensive effort we saw earlier in the year is gone.  Pretenders.

-Look for the Clips to start teasing us and entering the West race. 

Ball Thoughts

-The Clippers are looking like the Clippers of old.  Losing with regularity.  Chris Paul has been out for far too long with a knee cap bruise.  It has to be something more serious.  Let’s take them off the title Thang

contention list. 

-Memphis has taken themselves out of the running with the Gay trade or have they?  Things may take a bit of time to settle down but Prince may actually be more beneficial to the team than Gay.  A savvy vet who will make the right play help to emphasize their interior strength.  It all will hinge on the maturity and development of Conely.  Can he and the Grizz shock some folks in the playoffs. 

-Chicago and Indiana are unreal great defensive teams.  Granger and Rose are still out.  I hope Rose comes back at the same level athletically.  Jimmy Butler has been a pleasant surprise for the Bulls.  All Indiana does is continue to win games.  George is a star.  I think Granger should be traded for pieces, I have never loved his shot first hero ball mentality.  Hibbert is overpaid, let’s face it he will never be who we thought he might develop into.  And the Pacers continue to give the Heat problems.  Either Chicago or Indiana is going to give the Heat/Knicks a very big scare if not an elimination from this years playoffs.  Book it.

-Who are the Brooklyn Nets?  I have no idea.  Lopez looks like the second coming some nights.  Sell this teams chances.

-Danny Ferry should be dealing in Atlanta.  This team is finished.  For the love of god unload Josh Smith and get some pieces.  Can you imagine how infuriating it would be to coach Smith?  Loafers delight. 

-Not sure what to make of the Celtics run without Rondo.  Terry is put in better situations without Rondo around.  Pierce, of the old man’s game, has been a treat this year.  I expect they will fall back to earth.  If I was Ainge I would be dealing.  What’s the point of an #8 seed?  The roster is old it is time to rebuild.  The aged pieces have to be dealt.  Sad truth. 

-Dwight Howard is who we thought he was.  A goof with no heart. 

-The Lakers will make the playoffs despite the mess it’s been.  They have been playing better ball.  Earl Clark is gives them youth and athleticism something they sorely lack. 

-That was a youthful Kobe facial in Brooklyn. 

-Last nights Golden State/Houston game was fun.  Reminded me of Doug Moe ball. 

-Bogut is key for the Warriors.  If he gets back to form, watch out. 

-OKC and SAN are lonely at the top of the West as the rest have fallen.

-Kentucky is creeping back onto the scene behind the swatting of Nerlens. 

-Kind of wish a team would step up and dominate in NCAA ball but then I realize it will make for a remarkable tourney.

-Ohio State is bothersome.  Thomas has a limited game and I find it shocking that this chucker gets the praise he does.

-Love Oklahoma State.  Smart is a star and Nash reminds me of Metta World Peace. 

-New Final Four: Indiana, Oklahoma State, Butler, Kansas.